Merlin Labs

Groups are divided on whether technology designed to reduce or even eliminate crews will compromise safety.

Under a new contract, the company will develop an automated flight plan system that can be integrated across current and future tankers.

Autonomous flight developer says it will begin flying the converted Boeing 707s with Merlin Pilot, an AI-driven robotic flight system, in 2025.

Company says the first flights gathered data on how to design and fine-tune the robotic controls.

Company engineers observed pilots as they performed a variety of tasks, collecting data to identify where automation can be most helpful.

The manufacturer says the technology is designed to accelerate its path to supplemental type certification with regulators in the U.S. and New Zealand.

The Boston-based company says the approval puts it on a viable path to certification and commercial operations for Merlin Pilot, its flagship autonomous flight system.

In-flight demonstrations will take place in the next year, starting with a series of basic air refueling operations, the company said.